Iran defends missile program as safeguarding peace

Iran's missile production has increased three-fold over the past years, said a senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Wednesday.

The Commander of the Aerospace Division of the IRGC Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that the enemy's attempts to hinder the progress of Iran's defense capabilities have been in vain.

"Despite the hostilities by the enemies, the pace of defense development in the country has increased," Hajizadeh said.

Besides, the institutions of the Islamic establishments, including the government and the parliament, are united against pressures from the West regarding the missile issue, he said.

Hence, "our missile production has increased three-fold over the past years," he added.

The Iranian commander criticized what he called the "U.S. double standards" over the arms programs, saying that while the United States boosts its atomic weapons on a daily basis, it pressed Iran to give up defensive missile program.

He said that the Islamic republic will resist the enmity of Washington which "has opened a front against us."

Pushed by the U.S., Europe has stepped up its pressure on Iran to start negotiations on the country's developing missile program.

Iran has reiterated that its military forces will continue boosting the country's defense capabilities and deterrent power.